• Blog,  Concerts

    My FarmAid 2023 Experience

    September 24 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 23, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, IN

    I’ve been a Neil Young fan for many years, but unfortunately, just never got around to seeing him in concert.

    Well, this was my chance.

    FarmAid 2023.

    Neil is one of the founders of it, along with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp.

    This started in 1985.

    Many bands/artists have played at FarmAid.

    It’s all for a great cause:  to support the American family farmers.

    This was a one day event.

    It started shortly after 12:30 PM and ended at almost midnight.

    I was there for all of it and have the sunburns to prove it (I thought I was going to be under the roof, but I was just on the edge of it, so I got a lot of sun rays.).

    But anyway, it was a great event.

    Great staff. Great food. And of course great music.

    The show started off with Native Pride Productions and Wisdom Indian Dancers, who welcomed everyone to the show and did some great dancing.

    Then shortly after that, Clayton Anderson and his band performed.  He started off the show with a country rock set.  Pretty good.

    Then The Black Opry feat. Lori Rayne, Tylar Bryant and Kyshona performed. 

    They were all vocals and acoustic guitars. 

    Interestingly, none of them performed together, but each one would perform their own songs, while the others would wait their turn to sing/play their songs. 

    Either way, they’re very good.  Good singing, good playing.

    Then Particle Kid performed.  This is Micah Nelson, one of Willie Nelson’s sons. 

    He did a one man show, just him and a guitar, and he was very good.

    After this, The String Cheese Incident performed.  This band has been around for 30 years and are still going strong.  Really fun music.

    Next, Allison Russell performed.  She and her band played a great set and Kyshona of The Black Opry and Lukas Nelson, another one of Willie’s sons, guested with her and her band at the end of their set.

    After this, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats performed.  This was my favorite act so far.  Rock and Soul that’s the best way to describe them.  Really fun and energetic.  Awesome.

    Next up, Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real. 

    Again, Lukas is one of Willie’s sons and he has had this band for several years (they even backed up Neil Young for a few years for some albums and tours). 

    Lukas is a phenomenal talent.  Phenomenal singer.  Phenomenal guitarist/pianist.  And his band is solid as a rock. 

    I’m glad I finally saw them. 

    As it turns out, this was the second time I’d seen Lukas on this day (see above) and two more times later on (read on).

    Next, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. feat. The Wolfpack.

    Bobby Weir is one of the founders/singers/guitarists of The Grateful Dead.

    This was the second time I had seen him (I saw him with Dead And Company, which is most of the surviving members of The Dead, in 2017). 

    He and his band (which includes super producer Don Was on bass) played a short set, but as he does, there was some serious jamming. 

    Lukas Nelson and Sturgill Simpson played guest guitars. 

    Margo Price (who  performed two acts later) guested on vocals too. 

    Too short a set for me, but good nonetheless.

    Next was The Jim Irsay Band. 

    Jim Irsay is a legitimate billionaire (owner of The Indianapolis Colts) and is quite a collector of memorabilia.  Particularly music memorabilia. 

    He has the famous David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) black guitar he used for many years, has one of Ringo’s Beatles drum kits, and sooooo much more. 

    So, in recent times, he has been going around with an exhibit (it’s free, it was at this event but unfortunately I did not get a chance to go see it) of some of his collection that he has bought through auctions etc. 

    Also, around this, he assembles a band, featuring some known people, and does a show playing covers. 

    Jim sings some and he brings other singers on too. 

    On this day, he had Ann Wilson of Heart sing a song by The Who and Heart (her group), Kenny Aronoff (who has played with sooo many people, including John Mellencamp) on drums, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd was one of the guitarists. 

    When the band played Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb, Kenny played that same David Gilmour guitar I just mentioned.  Pretty cool. 

    Also, Jim and John Mellencamp himself (more on him in awhile) presented a check for 1 million dollars to the American farmers.  Again, very cool.  Fun little set.

    Next was Margo Price.  This was one of the people I was not super familiar with. 

    She is also one of the FarmAid board members and played a very good set. 

    However personally, by this point, I was wearing down, and was ready for the last 4 acts. 

    Aside from Willie (more on him in a bit), I think she played the longest set of the day. 

    Again, very good, but I was ready to move on at this point.

    And move on we did.

    Next up was Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. 

    Dave is especially known as the singer/guitarist/songwriter of The Dave Matthews Band. 

    However, he also does albums/tours with guitarist extraordinaire Tim Reynolds. 

    Tim is PHENOMENAL on guitar.  Dave sings and plays rhythm acoustic, while Tim plays lead acoustic.  Wow!! 

    Dave still sings great and the two of them are a PHENOMENAL duo. 

    I’ve been a fan of Dave for many years, but somehow, just never saw him until this event.  I’m glad I finally did.

    Then, Dave came back out a little while later and introduced the next performer:  the one and only John Mellencamp!! 

    I was supposed to see Mellencamp in May of this year, but unfortunately, I was sick and was not able to go. 

    That changed on this night. 

    He and his band played a great, although not super long, set of hits.  I’m glad I finally saw him.  He’s still great.

    Then the MAIN reason why I went to this came up next:  Neil Young!!!!  John Mellencamp introduced him, and Neil came out and played (just him singing/playing acoustic guitar and harmonica) for 4 songs. 

    The only reason why I think he only played 4 songs (he was scheduled for 40 minutes, according to the event app) was because at some point in the day, the turnaround time between each act got behind. 

    The turnaround was still pretty fast all day and night, but nevertheless, it seemingly got behind and the set times definitely fluctuated. 

    So, I think Neil played a much shorter set to try to somewhat get things back on time, even though that didn’t really happen. 

    Maybe I’m wrong but that’s what I think happened.

    I’m disappointed that I waited this long to see Neil and he only got to play 4 songs, but having said that, I’m glad I saw him. 

    He sounded great, and I love seeing/hearing him do his one man show. 

    But it would have been nice to get a few, or a lot more songs. 

    Maybe someday I’ll see just his show, but if not, I’m still glad I got what I got. 

    He was a HUGE bucket list concert for me, and I can scratch that off now. 

    I’ll forever respect Neil and love his massive discography.

    Thank you Neil!!!!

    Then, a SURPRISE happened.  This act was not officially scheduled to play at all.  But to everyone’s surprise, instead of Willie Nelson coming on next, Bob Dylan came on next!!!! 

    And with some of The Heartbreakers (Tom Petty’s band, featuring guitarist Mike Campbell, keyboardist Benmont Tench and drummer Steve Ferrone) playing with him no less.  It was just 3 songs, but wow, what an awesome surprise. 

    This was my 3rd time seeing Bob. 

    He’s not for everyone, but I love him.  I consider him a national treasure. And I saw him play guitar, which doesn’t sound out of the ordinary, but in my case, when I’d seen him before, he just sang and played piano.  No guitar or harmonica, which he’s known for.  Either way, WOW!!!

    Then, Willie Nelson & Family (his sons Lukas and Micah were highly featured) perform.  Willie, at 90 years old, is still the best at what he does, in my opinion. 

    He’s also a national treasure that should always be revered. 

    Most of the day’s performers came out at the end of the set and joined in on the last few songs of the night. 

    I could say more, but this was quite the day, and aside from getting sunburned and taking a little while to get out at the end, it was a great day.

    And again, even though Neil’s set was short, I’m still very happy that I FINALLY saw him.

    Everyone sang and played great.

    Oh and I almost forgot:  I cannot say enough how AMAZING the backdrops were behind the acts during each set. 

    They were all PHENOMENAL stills of farms, land, houses, small towns, nature, berries, just beautiful photography.

    I had never gone to FarmAid, but I’m glad I went to this one.

    Thank you everyone for the great experience.

    I have included most of the set lists, as well as many pictures and some video I took (sorry for the quality).

    Willie Nelson & Family Set List:

    1. Whiskey River
    2. Bloody Mary Morning
    3. I Never Cared For You
    4. Texas Flood (Lukas Nelson on Lead Vocals)
    5. Help Me Make It Through The Night (w/Waylon Payne)
    6. Die When I’m High (Halfway To Heaven) (Micah Nelson on Lead Vocals)
    7. Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
    8. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground
    9. On The Road Again
    10. Always On My Mind
    11. Just Outside Of Austin (Lukas on Lead Vocals)
    12. Good Hearted Woman
    13. I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train
    14. Everything is Bullshit (Micah on Lead Vocals)
    15. Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die
    16. Write Your Own Songs
    17. Will The Circle Be Unbroken/I’ll Fly Away (with most of the acts of the day on stage)
    18. It’s Hard To Be Humble (with most of the acts of the day on stage)

    Bob Dylan Set List:

    1. Maggie’s Farm
    2. Positively 4th Street
    3. Ballad Of A Thin Man

    Neil Young Set List:

    1. Comes A Time
    2. Are There Any More Real Cowboys?
    3. Love Earth
    4. Heart Of Gold

    John Mellencamp Set List:

    1. John Cockers
    2. Paper In Fire
    3. Small Town
    4. Jack & Diane (solo acoustic and he let the audience sing most of it)
    5. Rain On The Scarecrow
    6. Lonely Of Night
    7. Crumblin’ Down/Gloria
    8. Pink Houses

    Dave Matthews And Tim Reynolds Set List:

    1. Rye Whiskey
    2. Satellite
    3. So Damn Lucky
    4. Virginia In The Rain
    5. Lie In Our Graves
    6. Monsters
    7. Crush

    Margo Price Set List:

    1. Been To The Mountain
    2. Four Years Of Chances
    3. Shelter Me
    4. Change Of Heart
    5. Life Of Sin (w/Sturgill Simpson)
    6. Marry Jane’s Last Dance (w/Sturgill Simpson)
    7. Paper Cowboy (w/Sturgill Simpson)
    8. Hurtin’ (On The Bottle (w/Sturgill Simpson)

    The Jim Irsay Band Set List:

    1. Lawyers, Guns And Money
    2. Comfortably Numb (w/Kenny Wayne Shepherd playing David Gilmour’s black Stratocaster)
    3. Love Reign O’er Me (w/Ann Wilson on Lead Vocals)
    4. Barracuda (w/Ann Wilson on Lead Vocals)

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. feat. The Wolf Pack Set List:

    1. Truckin’
    2. Dark Star
    3. Not Fade Away

    Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real Set List:

    1. Sticks And Stones
    2. Icarus
    3. If I Didn’t Love You
    4. Giving You Away
    5. All Four Winds
    6. Ladder Of Love
    7. Find Yourself

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Set List:

    1. Suffer Me
    2. Intro
    3. I Need Never Get Old
    4. Heartless
    5. Dancing In The Dark
    6. Trying So Hard Not To Know
    7. Time Makes Fools
    8. Love Don’t

    Alison Russell Set List:

    1. Springtime
    2. The Returner
    3. Eve Was Black
    4. Stay Right Here
    5. Requiem (w/Kyshona of The Black Opry and Lukas Nelson)

    The String Cheese Incident Set List:

    1. Can’t Wait Another Day
    2. Lend Me A Hand
    3. Colorado Bluebird Sky
    4. Shine

    Particle Kid Set List:

    1. Bleed
    2. Someone Else’s Dream
    3. Even The Birds 
    4. Everything Is Bullshit

    Clayton Anderson Set List:

    1. Better By The Day
    2. Right Where We Belong
    3. Indiana
    4. Made In The USA
    5. Only To Borrow

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Movie Reviews

    My Review of The Expendables 4 Movie

    September 22 2023 / No Comments

    I went Thursday night of 9/21/23 to see The Expendables 4.

    This is one of my favorite movie franchises.

    I’ve loved each movie since they were released (2010, 2012, and 2014 respectively).

    These are really good, retro style action movies that harken back to the 80s and 90s action movies, which I grew up on.

    So much so that many of the stars of these movies were in those movies back then too.

    Except now, they’re all together in one franchise, which I love.

    Again, this is the 4th one.

    Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham have always been the main stars of these movies, although in this movie, Stallone definitely takes a back seat so Statham can be the main star.

    I will say this is my least favorite of the 4 movies, mainly because Stallone is not in it as much, but that’s not a slight on Statham or anyone.

    It’s still very action packed, has some good humor in it (Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture, who are the other two stars that have been in every movie have some fun and funny moments and of course kick butt moments), but this is definitely a Statham movie, which is fine.

    Martial Arts superstar Tony Jaa has some great action moments in this movie. 

    The main villain, Iko Uwais, is very good.

    There are some new members of the team in this movie, including Megan Fox, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Levy Tran.

    Many people have been wondering why Megan Fox is in this, but she was good in it.  

    I really like 50 Cent as an actor (he worked with Stallone on his Escape Plan trilogy).

    Levy Tran is a newcomer, but she kicks butt too.

    Andy Garcia, who I’ve always liked, is in this.

    Jacob Scipio plays the son of Antonio Banderas’ character from the 3rd movie (Antonio was approached but scheduling did not work out.).

    So even though it does not have all the superstars that are in the other ones, it still works for me.

    Having “new blood” as it were was tried in the 3rd movie, but it was with mixed results (I liked them but some of the main stars had to take a back seat for them in the story, which I did not like).

    But I’m ok with the newer people.

    You can’t get everyone, and besides, a TON of stars have been in these movies.

    There is still enough good foundation for this to be an Expendables movie.

    Although it did have a big budget, it still looks a little more down and dirty and grittier.

    It often feels more like just a stand alone action movie, and not part of an action movie franchise, but I think that’s cool too.

    Again, it’s my least favorite of the 4, but I still enjoyed it.  I left the theater satisfied and happy.

    So, I did not give much away here (avoiding giving spoilers), but I will say that if you are a fan of this franchise or just of old school action movies in general, then this movie is for you.

    If not, then you won’t like it.

    Is it the best one? No.

    But it is a good one and I still hope for more of them because I still think there is more that can be done.

    I love this franchise.  Bring on The Expendables 5.

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


  • Album Reviews,  Blog

    New Single by The Rolling Stones, Album Out October 20!!

    September 6 2023 / No Comments
    • Album Release Date: October 20th

    The Greatest Rock And Roll Band In The World, The Rolling Stones, are putting out a new album!!

    It is called Hackney Diamonds, out October 20.

    The new single and video, Angry, is out as of September 6.

    The band, which includes Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, had a worldwide press conference event moderated by Jimmy Fallon in London announcing the album and single.

    Mick said that most of the album was recorded in December of 2022 and January of 2023 and mixed in February of 2023.

    23 songs were recorded, two albums worth of material so hopefully another album will come out sooner than later.

    12 songs on this album, though.  Two of which feature their amazing drummer Charlie Watts (RIP sir!!) that were recorded in 2019.

    Also, Bassist Bill Wyman, who was in the band for a little more than 30 years, is on one of the songs Charlie played on, so that will be awesome!!!!!

    The single Angry is a classic sounding Stones song.

    Great riff, cool vocals, and it’s The Rolling Stones.  What more can you ask for?

    I can’t wait to buy this album.

    They’ve put out songs in the last decade, even a blues cover album in 2016, but not a full on new material album since 2005.  But hey, they’ve been busy.

    I’ve been a fan since I was a little kid listening to them on the radio and seeing them in concert in 2015 will forever be the greatest night of my life.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever top that for me.

    I love these guys and I’m soooooooooooooooo glad they never stopped and are still making new music and touring.

    They truly are the best.

    Keep on rocking guys!!!!!


  • Album Reviews,  Blog

    Alice Cooper Road Album Review

    September 3 2023 / No Comments
    • Release Date: August 25, 2023

    Alice Cooper has done it again:  Put out an amazing album.

    If you’re an Alice fan, you should love this.

    Aside from his first two albums in the 1960s, I think he’s put out one amazing album after another since.

    He’s always been great.

    Always puts on phenomenal concerts.

    He does not disappoint.

    Period.

    This new album is great, and also features a phenomenal concert of his from 2022.

    If you’re a fan, get this!!!!!!

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


  • Album Reviews,  Blog

    Black Oak Arkansas The Devil’s Jukebox Album Review

    September 3 2023 / No Comments
    • Release Date: September 1, 2023

    I love cover albums.

    Many bands/artists have done them.

    This is another AWESOME one.

    Jim Dandy and his band Black Oak Arkansas are still going strong and have delivered an AWESOME cover album.

    Featuring songs by The Rollings Stones, The Mamas And The Papas, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jefferson Airplane, The Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, and more, this album kicks butt!!

    I prefer original material albums, but again, I love cover albums, and I LOVE this one.

    Actually there is one original and it’s a Christmas song.  Really good.

    Way to go Jim!!!

    I hope I can see you and the band someday.

    Keep on rocking sir!!!!

    And Rest In Peace Rickie Lee Reynolds, a huge part of the band’s history.  Forever missed.

    You’re the man!!!!

    Get this album and CRANK up the volume.

    WOO!!!!

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


  • Album Reviews,  Blog

    Sevendust Truth Killer Album Review

    September 3 2023 / No Comments
    • Release Date: July 28, 2023

    Two days before my birthday, Sevendust released their 14th studio album called Truth Killer.

    I’ve been a Sevendust fan since almost the beginning, and they have always been a great, rocking, solid band.

    If you’re a Sevendust fan, you will probably always get what you want with each release.

    And Truth Killer is no different.

    It rocks.  It’s heavy.  It’s melodic.  It’s everything you want in a Sevendust album.

    And it’s still the original lineup (guitarist Clint Lowery left for a few years in the 2000s then returned).

    Not much more I can say here other than if you’re a Sevendust fan, please check this one out.

    Also go see them live because they’re a phenomenal live band.

    Keep on rocking guys.

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


  • Blog,  Concerts

    We Built This City on Rock And Roll!!: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas Concert Review

    September 3 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 2, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Portsmouth River Days in Portsmouth, OH
    • Opener: Silver Springs: A Fleetwood Mac Experience

    A couple of my friends and I saw Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas Saturday night in Portsmouth, OH.

    A Fleetwood Mac tribute band called Silver Springs:  A Fleetwood Mac Experience opened the show.

    They played many Fleetwood Mac hits and did a good job.

    Then Starship came on later.

    It features singer Mickey Thomas, who has been in both Jefferson Starship and later known as Starship, a solo artist, and has done a lot of recordings.

    He was also in The Elvin Bishop Group, singing lead on the hit song Silent Night, and one of the singers on the hit Fooled Around And Fell In Love.

    He’s always been a great singer and he has not lost anything in his voice.

    He and his band still go out and give the fans the hits of Jefferson Airplane, which all of this originally was, as well as the Jefferson Starship and Starship hits, many of which he was a huge part of.

    He’s got a great band.  Guitarist John Roth also plays guitar for Winger.  Excellent player.

    Cian Coey sings the Grace Slick parts really well.

    Everyone is solid.

    Great, fun show.  And it was free!!

    My next show is in three weeks.

    And that’s FarmAid!!

     

    Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas Band Members:

    • Mickey Thomas (Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar)
    • Cian Coey (Lead Vocals/Backing Vocals)
    • John Roth (Guitar)
    • Jeff Adams (Bass)
    • Phil Bennett (Keyboards)
    • Darrell Verdusco (Drums)

    Silver Springs: A Fleetwood Mac Experience Band Members:

    • Becky Kimble (Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar)
    • Keith Williams (Guitar/Vocals)
    • Steve Poole (Keyboards/Vocals)
    • Daniel Tharp (Bass/Vocals)
    • Adam Reckner (Drums)
    • Sue Rance (Lead Vocals)

    Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas Set List:

    1. Laying It On The Line
    2. Jane
    3. Sarah
    4. Wild Again
    5. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now
    6. Set The Night To Music
    7. White Rabbit/Miracles/Count On Me/Somebody To Love
    8. Fooled Around And Fell In Love
    9. Stranger
    10. We Built This City
    11. Find Your Way Back

    Silver Springs: A Fleetwood Mac Experience Set List:

    1. The Chain
    2. Over My Head
    3. Dreams
    4. Everywhere
    5. Stop Dragging My Heart Around
    6. Go Your Own Way
    7. Say You Love Me
    8. Seven Wonders
    9. You Make Loving Fun
    10. Landslide
    11. Gypsy
    12. Little Lies
    13. Sara
    14. unknown song
    15. Gold Dust Woman
    16. Tusk
    17. Rhiannon

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    70s Glam Rock at it’s Finest: Angel and The Sweet Concert Review

    August 27 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: August 26, 2023
    • Location of Concert: The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH

    Where do I begin?

    Well, I’ll start with that days like this are what I always wish for.

    And that is going to a great concert, seeing/meeting great bands and people, and of course, hearing great music.

    All of that happened at this concert.

    I saw for the second time one of my favorite bands of all time, Angel, and for the first time, I saw The Sweet.

    Two great bands from the 1970s.

    Angel started the show with a phenomenal set of songs and volume.

    Original members Frank Dimino (Lead Vocals) and Punky Meadows (Lead Guitar) are still kicking butt, along with their phenomenal band of Danny Farrow Anniello (Rhythm Guitar), Charlie Calv (Keyboards), Steve E. Ojaine (Bass), and Billy Orrico (Drums).

    Angel, like I said in my earlier blog from this year (link here 3/12/2023 ) are a band that in my opinion should be so much bigger and more known.

    They had it all.  The talent, the songs, the look, a great record company, everything. 

    But for whatever reason, they never got past a cult following.  I don’t understand it because they were and are just a phenomenal band.

    Frank Dimino to me is one of the best singers out there even today.  He’s always been great and has not lost anything in his voice.

    Punky Meadows has always been a great guitarist and I think he has gotten better with age.

    The whole band is just really tight and solid as a rock.

    And they’re still putting out great new albums (Risen in 2019 and this year’s Once Upon A Time are two favorites of mine, but I’m biased admittedly and love all their albums).

    I’m glad that after many years of not being a band that they did return a few years ago and are showing people they still do kick butt with the best of them

    And I am so grateful that I have been able to see them again, and hopefully more in the future.

    And I forgot to say that I met all the guys at this show too!!!!!!!

    I was able to go to their meet and greet before their show and got all of my Angel CDs as well as Frank’s and Punky’s solo albums signed, and got my picture taken with all the guys.

    They could not have been nicer.

    I did not expect them to sign everything (the rules stated to bring 3 items) but I brought 10, if nothing else to show them how much a fan I am.  And Punky told me “we’ll sign everything”.

    Danny even jokingly said to me about Angel’s White Hot (my favorite Angel studio album) if I had heard that one yet?  Haha.

    I cannot be more grateful to all the guys, especially Punky and Danny, who are quite active on Facebook and fan friendly with everyone.  In fact, they knew who I was once I introduced myself. 

    Thank you all.

    I love you guys.

    The Sweet closed the show.

    They were very good, and rocked the house just as much as Angel did.

    The Sweet are actually two bands (this one that is authorized by original member Steve Priest’s family, and one featuring original guitarist Andy Scott).

    This has happened a lot in the last several years with bands going out under the same band name.

    Regardless of what anyone thinks about that (I personally wish everyone would have their own name), I do understand it and still support all because they’re keeping the music alive and if people want to hear the songs, then they should be able to deliver them to the people.

    And I haven’t seen Andy Scott’s version (I’d like to), but this version is very good.

    Singer Patrick Stone, Guitarist Jimmy Burkard, Bassist Stevie Stewart, Drummer Richie Onori, and Keyboardist , give the songs the justice they deserve.

    Loud and rocking.

    And the fans loved every second of it.

    Thanks everyone for bringing the rock.  Thanks to The King of Clubs for bringing these bands to their venue and for their hospitality, and thanks fellow music fan Michael Fedok for a great conversation while hanging out waiting for the meet and greet and show to happen.

    Great day.

    Angel Band Members:

    • Frank Dimino (Lead Vocals)
    • Punky Meadows (Lead Guitar)
    • Danny Farrow Anniello (Rhythm Guitar)
    • Charlie Calv (Keyboards)
    • Steve E. Ojane (Bass)
    • Billy Orrico (Drums)

    The Sweet Band Members:

    • Patrick Stone (Lead Vocals)
    • Jimmy Burkard (Guitar)
    • Stevie Stewart (Bass)
    • Richie Onori (Drums)
    • Dave Schulz (Keyboards-Although I believe someone else was playing this night. If someone knows who it is, please let know.)

    Angel Set List:

    1. On The Rocks
    2. Can You Feel It
    3. Mirrors
    4. Wild And Hot
    5. The Fortune
    6. We Were The Wild
    7. Got Love If You Want It
    8. Don’t Leave Me Lonely
    9. It’s Alright
    10. Pressure Point
    11. I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore
    12. Feelin’ Right
    13. Rock & Rollers
    14. Encore:  The Tower

    The Sweet Set List:

    1. Action
    2. Teenage Rampage
    3. Set Me Free
    4. Love Is Like Oxygen
    5. Sweet F.A.
    6. No You Don’t
    7. Done Me Wrong Alright/Roadhouse Blues/Drum Solo/Done Me Wrong Alright cont.
    8. Little Willy/Blockbuster/Wig-Wam Bam
    9. AC/DC
    10. Fox On The Run
    11. Ballroom Blitz

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Thank You For Making Me Happy: Alter Bridge/Sevendust/MJT Concert Review

    August 24 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: August 23, 2023
    • Location of Concert: The Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, OH

    Nights like this are what it’s all about for me.

    I FINALLY was able to see Alter Bridge in concert!!

    I also got to see Sevendust for the third time, and a newer band called MJT.

    And I was able to be in the front row!!  WOO!!!!

    MJT started the show with a mind blowing set.

    These guys are phenomenal musicians.

    I could literally feel the music pumping out of the speakers.

    I need to look into their music because I honestly did not know about them before this.

    Next up was Sevendust.

    They have been around since the 90s, constantly touring and making albums.

    They have always been solid, and for the most part, the lineup has remained intact (original lineup for most of it and currently is that).

    They are a great combination of heavy, bombast rock/metal, but also have a lot of melody and can play acoustic as great as anyone.

    Their lead singer Lajon Witherspoon is just a really cool person and has a phenomenal voice.

    Clint Lowery and John Connely are a great guitar team.

    Vince Hornsby is just awesome on the bass.

    And Morgan Rose is a monster on the drums.

    I’ve been a fan of this band pretty much from the beginning and they always deliver the goods.

    Now if it wasn’t already great (it was), the main event was up next:  Alter Bridge!!!!

    They have been around almost 20 years and actually most of the band are also in the hugely successful band Creed.

    Alter Bridge have always been a solid hard rock band with in my opinion one of the greatest singers ever, Myles Kennedy (also a phenomenal guitarist too), fronting the band.

    Guitartist/Vocalist Mark Tremonti is just awesome.  

    Bassist Brian Marshall is one of my favorite bassists ever.  I’m super impressed with his playing.

    And Drummer Scott Phillips is always solid behind the kit.

    Alter Bridge became more popular in Europe, but have quite a following in America too and their fans appreciate them.

    The crowd was singing along to every word throughout.  Myles even quit singing at times so the crowd could just sing.

    Myles said this was a special crowd and that he didn’t want to leave at one point because he and the band were having so much fun.

    Again, nights like this are what it’s all about for me.

    I wish I could just go to concerts because I’m most happy at those.

    In fact, during Sevendust’s set, Lajon said to the crowd “thank you for making me happy”.

    Well right back at him and everyone of the bands:  Thank you for making me happy!!

    This is what I live for.

    Thank you so much.

     

    Alter Bridge Band Members:

    • Myles Kennedy (Vocals/Guitar)
    • Mark Tremonti (Guitar/Vocals)
    • Brian Marshall (Bass)
    • Scott Phillips (Drums)

    Sevendust Band Members:

    • Lajon Witherspoon (Vocals)
    • Clint Lowery (Guitar/Vocals)
    • John Connoly (Guitar/Vocals)
    • Vince Hornsby (Bass)
    • Morgan Rose (Drums/Vocals)

    MJT Band Members:

    • David Godfrey (Vocals/Guitar)
    • Matt Godfrey (Keyboards)
    • Jordan Godfrey (Drums)

    Sevendust Set List:

    1. Face To Face
    2. Denial
    3. Crucified
    4. Karma
    5. Fence
    6. Disgrace
    7. Angel’s Son
    8. Black
    9. Everything 
    10. Shine

    Alter Bridge Set List:

    1. Silver Tongue
    2. Addicted To Pain
    3. Ghost of Days Gone By
    4. Broken Wings
    5. Burn It Down (Mark sings)
    6. Cry of Achilles
    7. Wonderful Life (Myles was not intending to sing this but he saw a sign in the audience and he said he would try his best to sing it.  Great surprise.)/Watch Over You (Myles singing solo with acoustic guitar)
    8. In Loving Memory (Myles sings and Mark plays acoustic guitar)
    9. Blackbird
    10. Come to Life
    11. Fable of the Silent Son
    12. Isolation
    13. Open Your Eyes
    14. Metalingus
    15. Encore:  Rise Today

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  • Blog,  Movie Reviews

    My Review of “Metallica M72 World Tour Live in Cinemas” Night 2

    August 22 2023 / No Comments

    I went to a repeat of Night 2 of Metallica’s M72 World Tour Live in Cinemas concert film on Monday, August 21, of 2023.

    I missed the actual live broadcast the previous night because I was at another concert.  That’s me.

    Anyway, this was really cool because I ended up having the theater room all to myself.  Everyone else must have gone to the live broadcast the previous night.

    I’ve been a Metallica fan for 25 years and I always will be.

    I’ve supported them through all their albums and tours and have defended them when they have taken a few twists and turns, musically.

    But for the past 20 years, they have really been on a roll, still putting out great albums.  Some of their best, in my opinion.

    But whatever you think of their albums, they always deliver in concert.

    This tour they are on they are playing in stadiums only, two nights at that stadium, are playing two completely different set lists, and are having different opening bands each night.

    So, if you’re a fan, they are really giving you bang for your buck.

    Anyway, this was awesome.  Love all the songs.  Couldn’t ask for anything more.

    Set List:

    1. Whiplash
    2. For Whom The Bell Tolls
    3. Ride The Lightning
    4. Dirty Window
    5. 72 Seasons
    6. If Darkness Had a Son
    7. Fade To Black
    8. You Must Burn!
    9. The Call of Ktulu
    10. No Leaf Clover
    11. Wherever I May Roam
    12. Moth Into Flame
    13. Battery
    14. Whiskey In The Jar
    15. One 
    16. Enter Sandman

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